To the editor,                                              June 3 2004

Gasoline prices have broken the $2 barrier and are threatening to go higher.  We hear suggestions
of riding a bike to save gas.  But riding a bike is not the answer for most.  

Many people don't have enough time, or have too far to go. They need to carry too much stuff. 
They don't want to work up a sweat, wrinkle their clothes or mess up their hair. 

Years of pushing only a gas pedal have left them with no stamina.  Or their gas guzzling, smoke
belching Detroit Iron is too much a part of their self image.

But a few, just a few, are waiting to try a bike for commuting or errands if only the city would
paint some bike lanes and make it safe.

Well, wait no more.  The streets are safe for bicycling without bike lanes.   In other places, bike
lanes have been a tool to get more roadway width, but most of our streets already have the width
that motorists need to safely overtake slower bicyclists. 

Adding bike lane stripes creates a few disadvantages for bicyclists when there is already enough
room.  Motorists actually tend to pass CLOSER to bicyclists when a bike lane stripe separates
them.  Debris builds up more in bike lanes than in the wide lanes we already have.

Novice bicyclists tend to make more mistakes in bike lanes, like passing too close to parked cars
and turning left at the last moment; while motorists make more "right hooks" in front of cyclists
in a bike lane.

So, don't wait for the city to paint bike lane stripes.  Follow the lead of the dozens of bicyclists
who are already safely commuting and running errands around town.  Find one of those cyclists
for a mentor or join one of the bike clubs for guidance.  

Ride visibly, predictably and legally on the right side of the street.  And smile at your motoring
friends as you pedal past the gas station.

Bob Bayn
North Logan
797-2396(w)
752-8386(h)